Believing that poverty continues to be a major concern in the Philippines, Pope Benedict XVI yesterday advised Filipinos to choose upright political leaders.

The Pope gave the message to Philippine Ambassador to the Vatican Mercedes Arrasitia Tuason during a meeting last Oct. 2.

In CBCPNews, the official news service provider of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), the meeting between the Pope and Tuason revealed the concern of the Holy See of the continuing struggle of Filipinos in the face of the two powerful storms that devastated the country in a week.Tuason said the Pope suggested that Filipinos should choose leaders who would lead them out of the struggle.

“The struggle against poverty in the Philippines calls for honesty, integrity and an unwavering fidelity to the principles of justice, especially on the part of those entrusted with positions of governance and public administration,” the Pope said.

The Pope also said that Filipino public officials should rediscover the real ethical foundation of their political authority.

The Pontiff called on officials to work for peace, particularly in Mindanao, described as a region “scarred by conflicts.”

In his statement, the Pope did not make any reference to a specific group but only said that the people should work for charity and persevere in the peace-building efforts in Southern Philippines.

“In an age when the name of God is abused by certain groups, the work of charity is particularly urgent,” the Pontiff added.

The Pope also praised the “courageous steps” being taken in the Philippines “to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding.”

He cited in particular the “commendable work” of the Bishops-Ulama Conference, the Mindanao People’s Conference, and the many grassroots organizations.

Tuason was among three new ambassadors to the Holy See that presented their Letters of Credence to the Pope at his summer residence in Rome.

The two others were Henriette Johanna Cornelia Maria van Lynden-Leijten of the Netherlands, and Miguel Humberto Diaz of the United States.

The Pope often uses the reception of a new ambassador as a venue to send a message to their government expressing his concerns or appreciation about certain matters.

Over the years, the Pope has been briefed about the situation in the country by Filipino bishops as well as by the Apostolic Nuncio, the representative of the Vatican to the Philippines.